The shortlist for the 2026 National Trust (New South Wales) Heritage Awards has been revealed, spotlighting excellence in the conservation, protection and interpretation of natural, cultural and built heritage across NSW.
“Every year we are inspired by the dedication to conserve and promote New South Wales’ rich heritage,” commented National Trust (NSW) CEO Debbie Mills. “All entrants are to be applauded for their important work, with particular congratulations to those shortlisted for their achievements.’’
Minister for Heritage Penny Sharpe said this year’s nominees “not only deepen connections between diverse communities and heritage, but also play a vital role in safeguarding these places and stories for generations to come.’’
The 2026 jury was led by Matthew Devine as chair, alongside Barrina South, David Burdon, Ingrid Mather, Julie Baird, Stirling Smith, Tamsin McIntosh and last year’s Young Achiever recipient Steven Barry.
The finalists include:
Architecture
Coolamon Hotel Redevelopment – entered by GPG Architecture
Crossroads Marrickville – entered by Mackenzie Pronk Architects
Entertainment Hall White Bay, Rozelle – entered by Dunn Hillam Architecture and Urban Design
Pyrmont Community Centre – entered by Welsh and Major in association with The City of Sydney
The Lands by Capella, Sydney – entered by Hassell in collaboration with Purcell Architecture
Wesley College “The Attic”, Camperdown – entered by PMDL Architecture and Design
Built Conservation
Conservation of Rocky Hill War Memorial, Goulburn – entered by Goulburn Mulwaree Council
GSDA Dwelling No.1 Recovery, Castlecrag – entered by Hector Abrahams Architects
Orient Hotel, The Rocks – entered by OCP Architects
Rouse Hill Estate External Conservation – entered by Museums of History NSW
St Stephen’s Uniting Church, Sydney – entered by Tonkin Zulaikha Greer Architects
Susannah Place Conservation Works, The Rocks – entered by Placemaking NSW
Town Hall House Remediation, Sydney – entered by Urbis and City of Sydney
Ultimo TAFE Building A Facade Conservation – entered by NSW Public Works
Upper Castlereagh Public School – entered by G and C Waller Builders
Interiors and Objects
Chinatown Ceremonial Gates, Haymarket – entered by City of Sydney
Entertainment Hall White Bay, Rozelle – entered by Dunn Hillam Architecture and Urban Design
Grand Dining Room Renovation, Katoomba – entered by The Carrington Hotel
JOY, Darlinghurst – entered by City of Sydney
Q Station Inscriptions Conservation, Manly – entered by Q Station and International Conservation Services
Woolley Palm Beach House – entered by Donald Campbell Design
Landscape
Hungry Point Reserve Cliff Top Walk, Cronulla – entered by Taylor Brammer Landscape Architects
Restoration of the Sandhills Wetlands, Byron Bay – entered by Byron Shire Council
The GreenWay, Inner West – entered by Inner West Council
The Vaucluse House Waterfall, Ponds and Rill Conservation – entered by Museums of History NSW
See the full shortlist for the 2026 National Trust (NSW) Heritage Awards on the National Trust’s website.
The winners, including the recipients of additional individual and special awards, will be announced at the National Trust Heritage Awards ceremony on 15 May at Doltone House in Pyrmont.
Public voting for the People’s Choice Award is open online until 11.59 pm on Thursday 30 April.
Source: Architecture - architectureau
